Use the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)

The "TTC", or Toronto Transit Commission is a public transit service/agency operated throughout Toronto, Ontario Canada. Established in 1921, the Toronto Transit Commission consists of four rapid-transit lines with 69 stations, over 149 bus routes, and 11 streetcar lines, of which 148 routes make 243 connections with a rapid transit station during weekday rush hours. Don't worry, you'll soon be able to understand how to get around Toronto's transit system.

Steps

  1. Familiarize yourself with the subway map. Toronto's subway system is complex and requires a sharp mind and some skill.
    • By observing the map above you, you'll see that there are four categories of subway lines.
      • The Yellow line is called the: 'Yonge-University line'.
      • The green line is called the: 'Bloor-Danforth' line.
      • The blue line is called the 'Scarborough RT' line. Keep in mind that the Scarborough line does not use subway trains but ICTS Mark I trains.
      • The purple line is called the 'Sheppard' line.
    • When you're on the platform at a subway station, know where is north, south, east and west. You can simply determine this by looking up at the large map above you. This large sign will display the station you are at in a large-easily to read font, a copy of Toronto's subway map, and whichever way the train you are waiting for. Example: Don Mills Station - (Toronto Subway Map) - Line category on top and direction of travel (ex.Westbound to Leslie).
  2. Understand the acronym: DWA. 'DWA' stands for Designated Waiting Area. The DWA is the standard spot for riders to catch the next train. On the edge of the platform is a yellow line. Riders are prohibited from passing the yellow line as it is dangerous.
  3. Get to know the bus routes. Some routes within the TTC system have different variations. For example: 100 Flemingdon Park and 100A Flemingdon Park. This means that taking the 100A would take you to an unintended place as opposed to taking the 100 which supposedly would take you to the place you intended to go.
  4. Realize that emergencies can happen on public transit. Emergencies such as assaults, vandalism, and accidents can occur on public transit. Don't hesitate to press the alarm (there are many alarm buttons on subway trains and subway platforms). At subway stations, security guards, called Special Constables are on guard, ready to serve, protect and inform riders. Interact with Special Constables, they're very friendly and they are knowledgeable.
  5. Pay the appropriate fare. The Toronto Transit Commission relies on its riders to generate its transit system. So paying the appropriate fare is the right thing to do. For a list of fares according to age, go onto http://ttc.ca. On their home page, you will find info regarding this. You also can purchase a metropass is you're a frequent user or a Student Discount Card. All that information is posted on the TTC's website. Understand that refusing to pay the appropriate fare will result in being fined by a TTC special constable and you may be subject to court.
  6. Consider the Blue Night network if you travel at night. The Blue night network is the overnight transit service provided by the TTC. This network consists of 22 routes and two streetcar routes, distributed so that almost all of the city is within {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} of at least one route. During the Blue Night service, The route may change if the route is part of the Blue Night network. For example, the 25 Don Mills route will be changed to: '303 Don Mills' during Blue Night hours.
    • Also note that during the Blue Night Network, you can request the bus operator to drop you off in front of your home rather than the closest bus stop if you feel vulnerable walking alone out at night.
  7. Use bike racks if you're using your bike to travel around the city. The Toronto Transit Commission provides bike racks on all buses for riders who want to take public transit using their bikes. When the bus approaches and stops at the bus stop, inform the driver you want to load your bike onto the rack (if you need assistance with this, inform the driver, he'll/she'll be happy to help). Once done loading the bike onto the rack, hop onto the bus, pay the fare and wait until your stop. When you've arrived at your stop, inform the driver that you'll be unloading your bike from the rack. Unload it and carry on with your day. For a better visual, tend to this video provided by the Toronto Transit Commission at the bottom of the page.
  8. Watch out for vehicles when exiting streetcars. There are many crazy drivers in the city, so look both ways before exiting a streetcar. After all, streetcars don't pull up safely to the curb like buses.
  9. Download the Transit Now app from the Toronto Transit Commission to know exactly when the next bus will arrive. You can download this in Apple's App Store, Android's Google Play store. This app is free and works. All you need to do is enter the route you are going to board and what stop you are at (determined by nearest intersection of the stop you're at).



Tips

  • If you have difficulty walking, use crutches or benefit from using a Wheelchair ramp, request the driver to lower the wheelchair ramp upon entering the bus. An alternative to using buses is calling the TTC's Wheel-Trans. You will use the same fare but this service provided by the TTC is for qualifying disabled riders only.
  • Thank the driver when you get off the bus/Smile. It brightens up the day of operators.

Warnings

  • Use common sense. Don't do anything annoying or threatening on TTC vehicles/property. It can have you kicked off the premises and you will be fined according to the TTC's by-law No.1.
  • When exiting Streetcars, look both ways before you exit. Toronto is filled with crazy drivers. You're better safe than sorry.
  • While on the bus at night, don't fall asleep. Make sure you don't miss your stop.
  • Don't listen to music while you're aboard. You may not hear the automated announcements and again... there's a possibility of you missing your stop.
  • Skateboarding, and rollerblading on TTC property is against the TTC by-law No.1. Don't skateboard/rollerblade. Otherwise, you risk getting fined.
  • Watch out for fare inspectors. Make sure to pay your fare and prepare to show your Proof of Payment (POP).

Things You'll Need

  • TTC Fares
  • Public Etiquette
  • Common sense
  • Respect
  • Map (optional)

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